Monthly Archives: December 2012

As the year 2012 come to a close and the start of 2013 nears, graciously give thanks to God for his grace and mercy. You’re still here.

Your being here is a testament that he brought you through, whatever it is you may have gone through. God kept you. For some it may not have been much. For others, it may have been the most challenging, difficult times of their lives. But you made it. God is good all the time.

Regardless who we are, God gave us another chance to recompense. Through the gift of life he sent. Everyday we rise is an opportunity to get it right. God gives us chances to live a righteous life.

We must not fall prey to what seem obvious, but reflect on what is for certain; God is Sovereign. His resolve: To do what he promised. He is in control . God has unlimited power. He will make your life whole.

Isaiah 46:9-10 “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”

Put God first. Let this be your resolve. Let the new year be a declaration of your commitment and service to God. May it deepen with every encounter and act as a catalyst for change. As you touch lives across the nation. Let God reign.

May your gift be used to serve and in devotion to others. Share love for your sisters and brothers. Let God use you as the instrument. In your service, make a difference.

Be strong in your conviction no matter what people may do. God’s Divine Providence will carry you through. Rest assured when God declares it is so, it will be. His word never fail. What will be, will be.

This is the truth; God is who he says and will do what he promised he would do. Be faithful to him as he is always faithful to you.

Life is but a vapor. We are here for only a little while. Let the work we do for God show in every area of our lives. For, until the time comes when the mist dissipates, let your living not be in vain while you wait. Honor God in all you do. This is my prayer for you.

May you all have a safe and wonderful New Year and may the Spirit of the Lord be with you. ~JD

2 Peter 1:3-4“3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

As I was going through some old things I stumbled upon my journal, complete with lock and key. I couldn’t help but take a moment to unlock the mystery. I read through thoughts of things at that time troubled me.

It was a way to release emotions without being condemned or judged. It was my way to talk openly and honestly to God.

While reading I found the most riveting details of a life filled with pain and sorrow. A life I couldn’t see God in with any hope for tomorrow. In the midst of my pain, when devastation and fear ruled my life. All I could think of is I longed for a better life.

I cried out to God, “I don’t know what this is or why it’s happening to me. Please take away the sadness and misery.” My pain was as deep as the depth of the sea. I was drowning in my own brokenness each time I would make a plea.

I found myself searching for love in all the wrong places. I had become a basket case. I sought out acceptance, affection, and respect from the wrong sources. I lived with much regret and remorse. When I failed to see people whose lives were not on the same path God was taking me. They didn’t want to take the time to share in the journey. To a place that held my destiny.

Every day I would journal with some breaks in between. I would go weeks, sometimes months with nothing to say that had meaning. Yet there were times when I would write and find much value. To situations and circumstances that built up my character.

I stopped focusing on negativity. I would add scripture and a note at the end of each journal entry. Not just for reading but as a teaching tool. To apply to the mess I would find myself in. To be held accountable for things I needed to do. Most of all scripture reminded me of God’s goodness in the midst of my storm. I took one step at a time in the hopes of rebuilding a life I no longer mourned.

When I reached the end of the journal, I ran across something that struck me most. It was a small, yet simple example of what God presented long time ago. Details of a dream I had. It seemed like a dream that was sending a solid message when all around me looked bad.

The dream was regarding my obedience advising me to get out of my own way. Because I kept trying to make things and people say what I wanted to hear them say. I kept trying to make things go my way. That people would love me for me. I was disillusioned. It may never be.

At the time, the dream did not make any sense to me. I didn’t understand what it meant. It entailed a journey with one person guiding me; to a place of safety in the face of adversity. Yet I couldn’t see his face. I didn’t know who he was. I only knew that he seemed like someone that could love… me unconditionally. He held my hand. He traveled with me to this unknown place. I felt safe and secure even though it seemed out of place.

We met with obstacles trying to divert the mission. The strange man obviously had good intentions. He seemed like he had my best interest at heart. To bring me to a place of peace, not based on a wing and a prayer. But to give me peace that surpassed my understanding, removing all despair.

The dream was only four sentences long. With the final ending of my accepting a telephone call. From a person that was close to me. That told me there was somewhere I needed to be. They said, “Get there immediately.” This clearly was a warning for me. But at the time I didn’t notice it at all; pride before the fall. Nonetheless, there was a place I needed to get to. With this stranger that was walking with me, guiding me through.

Now sitting here as I reflect and look back in that moment of time, I realized God was there all the time. To reassure me that everything was going to be alright. It was his face I couldn’t see, but the love he had for me. No matter how difficult I chose to be.

God was in front, on side, behind and beside me. He cleaned up mistakes from behind me. He saved me. He took my mess. He turned it into a message. He used me as the vessel that I may be a blessing; to tell others about Jesus Christ. To spread the gospel; the Good News! It’s my mission. It’s what I’ve been called to do. To profess what only God can do. God brought me through.

I learned that sometimes the circumstances we think harms us are actually ones God is engineering. No matter how heavy the burden or what seemed overbearing. We must have faith and believe in His faithfulness. And live life with no regrets.

We must not choose to avoid difficult stumbling blocks we may cross. Because it is where God gives us chances to redeem and restore all that we think we lost. For God can heal your hurts for his own benefit. If only you believe, receive Christ, and repent.

We all have one thing in common. It’s the story of our life. One filled with some pain, sadness, grief, and strife. But there are also some good things we encounter that may only be seen in the afterlife. We have a testimony of the goodness of God. And how he brought us this far.

God is awesome and amazing. He’ll do exactly what he promised before he placed you in your mother’s womb. He knew you. He set you apart. That he may live in your heart. He called you. To carry through, the preplanned purpose he prepared for you.

God will never fail. There’s nobody greater than God. He brought me through when times seemed hard. When I was weak and lost my way. He gave me strength to make it.

There comes a time in our life when we stop looking for things or people to define us. We look to God to show us the way. In preparation for the promise he will bring without delay.

As for me, I won’t look to the right or to the left. I will look to the hills from whence cometh my help. Because I know the plans God have for me. Plans to prosper and not harm me. I will mount up with wings like eagles. I will run and not get weary. I will have renewed strength to see clearly. The things he set before me.

I’ve seen God do some things in my life but the way he moved mountains out of my way. His yes was yes, right here, right now on that day. He literally turned my life around. No greater love can be found.

God hears prayers of the righteous. He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. God was there every step of the way. I may have been blind to it but he paved the way. To the life I now see. Even after reading words from the journal of yesteryear.

I don’t know what it is about this connection with God I’ve witnessed in the past few days. Where he has shown up mightily, but it’s amazing. Each and every time I sat in commune with him as I professed my troubles and prayed for answers. In the blink of an eye, my situation changed.

I am so thankful. God is my only source. He is the only one I depend on. His provision brought me through the storm.

Journaling is good for the soul. It lifts heavy burdens of a story that can only be told. To God who listens intently. He answers prayers even when we can’t see him in the midst of our misery.

Give thanks for what you have today. Even if the presents you receive tomorrow won’t be what you desired anyway. God gave the most precious gift anyone can ever hope, dream, or ask for. This should be enough to carry you far.

As you prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, remember God gave us the ultimate sacrifice. He offered up His Son who died as a sacrifice. He died for the sins of all mankind that we may live and have everlasting life. Be blessed! – JD

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Life is a vapor. It’s not given freely. It’s not an entitlement nor should it be taken for granted. It’s a privilege.

Be grateful. Give thanks every day. Be a blessing to others on your way. You don’t know what others are going through or when life will end for you. Thank God each day you rise. No matter what life looks like in your present state of mind.

Suffering takes place in our lives to mold and shape us into the person God designed us to be. Yet, to suffer is painful regardless what form it comes in. Therefore, we should not trivialize its significance or the impact it has on one’s life. Consciousness and consideration of a person’s struggle must be a daily sacrifice. Because you never know when the day will come that your life will change and you will be one… of those people.

I can remember a time in my life when I used to tell myself if I were diagnosed with a deadly disease, I would be able to handle it based on the amount of suffering I have endured. While at the same time, adopting the wrong attitude saying things like, “It is what is and what will be, will be.” I had come to a point in my life where I believed in my own “false” reality.

Unconsciously letting words come out my mouth in haste. I would openly express it this way, “We all have to die from something one day. Don’t take to heart what you can’t change.” As if that wasn’t enough, I would go on to say, “I am going to keep doing me. And whatever happens when I die let it be. It’s all a part of life.” My thoughts: “Trivial matters of death.”

But one day here recently, that all changed. After watching one of my favorite shows, Private Practice, the other night, my entire perspective took a dramatic turn to the point where it scared me. It put fear in my heart that made me rethink my position.

Two of the characters were diagnosed with cancer; both were receiving radiation treatment but one was terminally ill. I was in tears. I couldn’t help but think of myself and this nonchalant, indignant attitude I had taken towards the detriment of my own life. I cried and couldn’t sleep all night.

I woke the next day, and for a long time, I was in deep thought about life; mine in particular and really wondered how I would handle it if I were told I had cancer or any other condition that would render me terminally ill. Better yet, what would I do if the conditions I now suffer with would contribute to my demise? I didn’t know but what it caused me to do was take a different approach.

I began to do a self-evaluation. Upon reflection of my life and the decisions I made, I asked myself, “What was it that made me feel this way? What would possess me to believe it is okay, to think death is that simple or not take into account the seriousness of it. Nor was it becoming of me to take a nonchalant attitude when saying things like, “life happens and we all will die.” Again, I had to ask myself, “Why?”

I thought, maybe one of the reasons could be that my heart was hardened towards people in need, no matter how sick or damaged they seemed. I had to take a hard look at myself. Realizing I needed help. For years I found it easy to be this way…until one day…. my life changed.

So often we take things for granted when selfishly putting our needs before others. We believe when we’re well and able to take care of ourselves, we think life’s good. It’s okay. Outside of every day struggles; we believe it is normal.

Never realizing what would happen if in a split second life changed under no control of your own. And all that you had was taken away. What would life be to you that day? What if you were to lose things that mattered most to you? Things not limited but would include your strength, your sanity, your health, your worldly possessions, your self-esteem, and your dignity. How would you handle life then? It prompted me to reflect and think on these things:

Too often we go through life blindly. Never once realizing what is given to us doesn’t come free. Life is a gift but we fail to cherish it. And why some of us fail miserably at handling it.

We don’t take into account the impact failure brings until we are faced with having to deal extensively with the storm after the rain. We call it the aftermath, coupled with severe effects. At which time will have a greater impact than what we are accustomed to; our physical well-being, our mind-set, and our attitude. I know. It happened to me. My heart became hardened because of things I refused to see.

I thought I was exempt. I lived carefree. Nothing bothered me. I was insensitive to the plight of others, uncompassionate to those who suffered. And inconsiderate to many who I thought was over exaggerating the seriousness of their situation because they sought attention.

I never once thought I had a problem. I blamed it on the world and everyone else; failing to take a look in the mirror at myself. It revealed what my life showed. A person filled with emptiness and void; and cared less about others. I had become an insensitive, rude, and uncompassionate individual who spent two-thirds of a lifetime living in contempt. I lived life on a whim. Never taking seriously how my life would end.

My attitude wasn’t that great either. Thought it all was about me. I couldn’t understand why life was so unfair. Never looking outside of myself each time I focused on my circumstances and encountered despair. Although I suffered from many ailments that clearly were not my fault. I blamed the world for the hand I had been dealt.

As intelligent as I was, for the life of me, I couldn’t grasp the depth of its reality. I didn’t want to understand but instead wanted to feel sorry for myself. And I looked for pity and validation from others when seeking help. Regardless of the fact what they knew about me, I wanted them to feel sorry for me. To make matters worse, this was my mind-set too. I believed my life was doomed.

My thought process led me to believe my own “false” truth. I felt, on my own, I could endure anything. I was invincible, regardless what diagnosis the doctor would bring. I believed in myself; selfish me. I believed I would manage even in my weakest moments mentally. I failed to deny anything my mind would tell me. Although pain was my middle name, I felt I could get through anything… sinful pride. Foolish was I.

And to think, God takes care of babies and fools. God, I thank you. For leading me to the very things you needed to show me. Albeit, the journey I traveled was not easy. I made a lot of mistakes. There were too many priorities. And I took for granted the life you gave to me. Along with underestimation of death, thinking it was okay to not fret, over how I would die.

It was not until after I traveled one long and hard journey filled with agony, pain, heartbreak, disappointment, and defeat that I began to see things and people differently. My heart changed. My consciousness and mental awareness changed too. There was something else I needed to do. I needed to be held accountable for the lack of sincerity I had shown. I had to change what I had done.

God began a great work in me, revealing things outside of my “false” reality. He revealed and told me, “This is not about you, but about me.” I needed to give him glory in spite of what was taken from me; a life of luxury I thought was necessary to complete me.

It was amazing. I can’t even explain. I found purpose to live again. I found myself searching for answers to the missing pieces of the puzzle. Things began to manifest within each circumstance I faced. I would find myself meeting people in different places. That either was in the same position I was or were worse off than me. Each experience I encountered taught humility.

I began to concentrate and focus extensively on God. I started looking for the lesson to be learned. I started reading the Word every day. I would meditate. In pursuit of intimacy with Him, I wanted to know more about God. I wanted to be clear on the things he desired from me. So that I could live the life he set before me.

With my heart open wide, I stopped feeling sorry for myself. I developed genuine compassion for others with God’s help. I learned about God’s ways which taught me how to be considerate towards those in need. I cherished the relationships God sent to me.

No longer was I bound by selfish, careless thoughts of why it was necessary to live just to die. I no longer had to ask myself why. I developed a new attitude with plenty of gratitude. I found a new passion for people in pain. Not because of what I went through but because my heart changed. I became diligent in my efforts as an advocate for change.

I believed it was not fair to discount the seriousness of what others are going through. Even if on the outside they look well to you. Many of us suffer in different ways. Whether it’s mentally, physically, or spiritually we all live with some type of pain.

We should not question the suffering of others just because they look okay or because their issue may not be as serious as the next person. We must learn to be considerate of their feelings and have compassion if we profess to be Christians. We must have the love of God in our hearts as God teaches us to love one another. We must have love for all our sisters and brothers.

The road I’ve traveled taught me many things, but the thing I’m most grateful for, is I won’t ever say this again, “If I’m diagnosed, it’s not on me. It’s on you.” I won’t be insensitive to what others are going through.

Although my life isn’t what I hoped it would be. I won’t ever take life for granted or the seriousness of any condition that ails others; even me. I won’t ever be inconsiderate of the suffering of others. I will cherish life and the opportunity God has blessed me to be a part of.

We don’t know the day or the hour. It is not for us to say when. It is not in our power. We cannot predict the end. Only God determines it. We must make sure we’re ready when it comes. Our living while here on earth must be a reflection of not who we are, but what we’ve done… to please God.

I’m blessed because my experiences led me, ultimately to the purpose God prepared for me. It became the catalyst which I found God and re-established my relationship with him. And for that I am so thankful. Without God, I would be nothing. My world now revolves around him.

I realize my life must now be a reflection of the life I now live for God. For, I AM an ambassador of Christ. I will work to honor him in spite of strife. His agenda is my agenda. The spirit of the Lord is upon me. I will walk with integrity. I will live to please God through all humanity.

2 Corinthians 5:20 “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.”

I won’t ever make the mistake and presume it is okay to be indifferent, selfish, and self-centered when it comes to others. I will have the love of God in my heart for my sisters and brothers. I will make it my goal to move myself out of the way. I will center on selflessness every day.

While it is true we all will die one day. Don’t let it take away the reason God wakes you every day. The issue must not be that we will die. But the manner in which we lived should the truth lie. Be cognizant of how you treat others and what you choose to do. For the life you choose to live will be a reflection of you. The life you live, to some degree. Could very well determine the way you will leave… this earth.

Ezekial 36:26-27 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”

Like this:

Jesus tells us to obey God’s commandments. We can do this with our heart, our will, our mind, our body, our finances, and our future.

Love God more than any relationship, action, achievement, or possession. Commit yourself completely to him. Seek to know him and his Word.

When you seek to know him and his Word, his principles will become the foundation of everything you think or do. It will shape and define you.

Recognize that your strengths and sexuality are given by God to be used for fulfillment according to his rules. Don’t confuse it with your rules.

Make conscious decisions about your finances. Know that all resources you have ultimately come from God and that you are managers, not owners of them.

Let your service be to God and make man the purpose of your life’s work. When you follow God’s commands, He will give you all that He promised.

Be blessed!

Deuteronomy 8: 1 “Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers.” http://bible.us/Deut8.1.NIV84

The mind can be like a merry-go-round
Thoughts going round and round
Clouding your judgment on things you think should be
Based on what you see.

Too often we want things to happen right now.
Forgetting everything will happen in God’s time.
We must learn to keep God first
Let him do his work.

If you keep your mind stayed on Jesus
In and out of season.
He will send the right thoughts
That will make you say, “Devil get outta my way.”

Yes, it’s easier said than done.
Especially when the mind is overcome
With mindless chatter convincing you to run… away.
But God says. “Stay.”

“Don’t get weary in well-doing.
Don’t give up.
For at the right time your harvest will come.
Trust me, ‘I AM that I AM.’
My word stands.”

Please know this message is not just for you.
But it’s for me too
Because I, too, am going through.
I’m not exempt but I’ve learned
I’m safe in his arms.

Yesterday was a prime example.
A day of all days.
When nothing seemed like it was going my way.
But every time the devil came at me
I said “Flee! You have no authority.”

I can’t worry about things I can’t control.
I’ve learned to trust God in the midst of it all.
Now don’t get it twisted.
It didn’t happen right away.
Every time thoughts tried to enter my mind,
I’d push them away.

Saying to myself, “God I know you’ll meet every need.”
It’s just a trick of the enemy
Trying to make me believe, you’re not there for me.
I know better. I’ve been through worse.
You took away the hurt.

You set my mind at ease.
You gave me peace.
This situation’s only temporary.
Not what my eyes see.
My faith is the size of a mustard seed.

If God can do it for me, he can do it for you too.
But your heart has to be true.
You must believe God and not what your mind is telling you.

Don’t let your idle mind be the devil’s playground.
Turn your thoughts around.
Next time the devil comes to play.
Let God work and have his way.

I’ll leave you with this:

John 15:7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you”

Goodnight, until tomorrow comes. Pray for me. I’ll pray for you. That God’s will be done. May the Lord bless you and keep you. #AMEN

Like this:

Why is it every time I travel to see my doctor I find myself in conversation with the taxi driver defending the position of people who can no longer defend themselves? I have to wonder if this is something God is trying to bring to my attention in a certain area of my life. I won’t ignore it.

As I am riding home minding my own business, falling asleep in the back seat, the driver starts the conversation about the latest news story, the sad double-suicide of Kansas City Chief football player Jovan Belcher and his girlfriend Kassandra Perkins.

He was listening to the radio when the announcer made a statement that Mr. Belcher was a “bad guy.” The driver seconded the notion and said he definitely was a bad guy for committing such a cruel act.

He went on to say, “This guy had a career as a professional football player, money many of us couldn’t dream of having, and a beautiful girlfriend.” “He had it all. He was good until this happened.”

Now that he has killed himself and his girlfriend, he’s a bad guy. He said, “He was a coward because he killed not only himself but his girlfriend too. He was bad.”

Then, while I am not sure why, he proposed this assumption: “Maybe once he shot his girlfriend, he realized he would go to jail where he would spend the rest of his life so he turned the gun on himself.”

Me: Silence. You could hear a pin drop. Really didn’t want to say anything because for one, I didn’t want to speculate because we don’t know his reason for doing what he did or the process he chose which led up to the event. Two, does it really matter why he did it? Three, is it any of our business? I couldn’t give an answer yet.

”With my eyes closed, drowsy and a bit delirious, I said to myself, “Oh no. Here we go again.” My first thought was, “I’m too tired to engage in conversation with this man” but when he seconded the announcers’ statement categorizing this person as a “bad guy” without knowing anything about him. As well as stereotyping as society tend to do just because he was considered some famous person with money, I couldn’t help but offer my opinion. I listened before responding so as not to impose any judgment but be clear in my position on the matter.

I told him I didn’t think it was fair to call him a “bad guy” just because he committed a senseless act. I made it clear that we should not be quick to judge people just because they do something awful or stereotype just because we think we know what their life is like based on society’s preconceived notions.

We don’t know what kind of person he was since none of us knew him personally. Nor do we know what could have caused him to commit such an act.

We don’t know what he was going through, where his mind was at the time of this occurrence, or what he was struggling with that may have caused his mind to convince him to follow through.

To draw a conclusion about someone based on an act, in my opinion, is unfair. And sadly, this is the way of our world. We judge, condemn, criticize, and hate others based on color, appearance, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and by their actions. That in itself is cruel. This is what I believe.

Money and career don’t make a person as society would have us believe. Just because he was a professional football player doesn’t mean he didn’t have financial troubles, had mental struggles, or suffered in some area of his life. Just because he had a career doesn’t mean he had lots of money. Just because he had a beautiful girlfriend doesn’t mean he had it all.

He was human just like us. And I’m sure as a human, he had problems just as we do, if not deeper than most of us may experience. There could have been some deep-rooted problem of hopelessness, worthlessness, clinical depression, pain, or sadness. We will never know.

But what I do know based on my experience is when individuals are in such a state, irrational thoughts cloud their judgment and the mind becomes an easy target.

Delusions, hallucinations, and the likes exist and in some cases are hard to distinguish from reality. Some people are strong enough to fight against the voices, others not so strong which lead to acts such as this.

Fame and fortune isn’t easy. Nor is it everything. It comes at a price. One cannot live a normal life. Money doesn’t buy happiness. One cannot be completely satisfied or content with the idea of constantly spending and getting what they want, getting nothing in return. Love doesn’t really conquer all with humans. Unless it is genuine, true love as God loves.

In concluding my conversation with this guy, my last statement to him was this, “I believe in God. I don’t think it is ever fair to judge a person because of what they do even if it isn’t right but we must leave it up to God. He will place judgment.” There was silence the rest of the ride until I reached my final destination. All was well that ended well.

My final thought. We can never know what others are going through. We must not condemn based on a notion. But instead pray for the family, friends, and society in general that peace and healing is found. Pray for strength. Pray for discernment. Pray.

As humans, we all will become discouraged at some point in our lives. The Bible has many Biblical characters that experienced discouragement and prayed to die. But they chose not to follow through. Instead, they remained obedient to God, sought his help, trusted Him, and relied on Him for deliverance. God provided them with a solution; just as he is able to do for us.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

Take these simple words of advice. Don’t be condescending but learn to have compassion. There are people hurting. A small gesture can save a life. Don’t be judgmental but leave it up to God. Your opinion matters and can be expressed in the right way as long as it doesn’t offend or hurt others. Acknowledge in love. Don’t take matters into your own hands but trust in the power of God that he will provide a way out. God is your source. He is a present help. Trust him.

And finally,

Matthew 7:1-2 “Judge not, that you be not judge. For with judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. http://bible.us/Matt7.1-2.NKJV

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23

God makes the impossible, possible.
The battle is not yours.
It’s the Lord’s.
For, nothing is too hard for God.

Wage against spiritual warfare.
Don’t forget to say a prayer.
For families across the nation everywhere.
Bear arms. Take up the whole armor of God.
Bind the enemy with warfare.
Persevere.

With prayer, the devil has been defeated.
We are spiritually seated.. with Christ.
God’s power is released on our behalf.
What you do for Christ will last.
Prayer changes things.

Be blessed! -JD

Ephesians 6:10-13 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Don't ever change yourself to impress someone, cause they should be impressed that you don't change to please others -- When you are going through something hard and wonder where God is, always remember that the teacher is always quiet during a test --- Unknown